[1] Purposes

The Department of Chemistry curriculum provides a broad range of instruction in chemistry. It includes a general education course and lower-division courses in general chemistry and organic chemistry for students with a wide variety of career goals such as a major in one of the natural sciences, pre-healing arts (nursing, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine), engineering, or secondary school teaching.

Students majoring in chemistry receive instruction in the fundamental areas of chemistry subsequently supplemented by more advanced courses in appropriate areas. Laboratory instruction is emphasized at all levels, and students are encouraged to participate in collaborative laboratory research with faculty members. Students completing a chemistry major program of study are prepared for careers as professional chemists as well as for graduate study in chemistry or other postgraduate professional schools.

The chemistry department curriculum is approved by the Committee on Professional Training of the American Chemical Society.

[2] The Honors Program in Chemistry

Junior or senior students with an overall GPA of 3.25, a chemistry GPA of 3.4 or better, and the consent of the department chair may be allowed to participate in a program which, when successfully completed, will allow them to graduate with honors in chemistry. This program consists of not less than two semesters of laboratory research on a chemistry problem and the writing of an acceptable report on the research completed.

[3] Baccalaureate Degree: Bachelor of Science

The degree of Bachelor of Science, with a major described below, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major and minor requirements in chemistry listed below.

[3.5] Major in General Science

[3.6] Minor in Physical Science

[4] Teacher Licensure

Students interested in teaching should pursue one of two plans of study: (a) complete a bachelors degree with a major in Life/Earth Science or Physical/Earth Science leading to teacher licensure or (b) complete a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree after completion of a BS in Chemistry. Contact UCA’s Department of Teaching and Learning for more information.